Men's Center - A-Z Index

Mesenteric venous thrombosis

Mesenteric venous thrombosis is a blood clot
in one or more of the major veins that drain blood from the intestine.

Causes

Mesenteric venous thrombosis is a clot that blocks blood flow in a mesenteric vein. There are two such veins through which blood leaves the intestine. The condition stops the blood circulation of the intestine and can result in damage to the intestine.

There are several diseases that can lead to mesenteric venous thrombosis. Many of the diseases cause swelling (inflammation) of the tissues surrounding the veins, and include:

Patients who have disorders that make the blood more likely to stick together (clot) have a higher risk of mesenteric venous thrombosis. Birth control pills and estrogen medicines increase risk of this condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include any of the following:

Abdominal pain, which may get worse after eating and over time

Bloating

Diarrhea

Fever

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Vomiting

Exams and Tests

A CT scan
is the main test used to diagnose mesenteric venous thrombosis.

Treatment

Blood thinners (most commonly heparin or related drugs) are used to treat mesenteric venous thrombosis when there is no associated bleeding. In some cases, medicine can be delivered directly into the clot to dissolve it. This procedure is called thrombolysis.

Less often, the clot is removed with a type of surgery called thrombectomy.

If you have signs and symptoms of a severe infection called peritonitis
, you will usually need surgery to remove the intestine. After surgery, you may need an ileostomy
(opening from the small intestine into a bag on the skin) or colostomy
(an opening from the colon into the skin).

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well you do depends on the cause of the thrombosis and any damage to the intestine. Getting treatment for the cause before the intestine has died can result in a good recovery.

Possible Complications

Intestinal ischemia
is a serious complication of mesenteric venous thrombosis. Some or all of the intestine dies because of poor blood supply.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have severe or repeated episodes of abdominal pain.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.

Medical information made available on UPMC.com is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have. Further, UPMC.com is not a tool to be used in the case of an emergency. If an emergency arises, you should seek appropriate emergency medical services.

For UPMC Mercy Patients: As a Catholic hospital, UPMC Mercy abides by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, as determined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. As such, UPMC Mercy neither endorses nor provides medical practices and/or procedures that contradict the moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.